Article Summary –
The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority will receive $217 million from the federal government to expand the SouthPort terminal, enhancing its capacity and competitiveness with other major East Coast ports. This funding, coming from President Biden’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to create new spaces for ships and improve onloading and offloading capacities, thereby supporting over 10,000 jobs and boosting the local economy. The infrastructure law, which received bipartisan support but was predominantly backed by Democrats, played a crucial role in securing this investment for PhilaPort.
As commonwealth leaders aim to significantly expand the Port of Philadelphia’s capacity and rival the East Coast’s largest maritime facilities, Pennsylvania congressional lawmakers announced on Sept. 20 that the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority will receive $217 million from the federal government.
Democratic U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman, along with Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon, Dwight Evans, and Brendan Boyle, revealed that $217.2 million will boost the SouthPort terminal’s capacity. This substantial funding will enable new space for ships at the Delaware River terminal and enhance onloading and offloading capabilities, according to a press release from these lawmakers.
The funding is sourced from the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program, established by President Joe Biden’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This law allocated billions of federal dollars for waterway infrastructure like PhilaPort, road repairs, lead pipe replacements, and expanding internet access in rural areas.
“The infrastructure law is aiding the port in transporting more goods and creating quality jobs in southeastern Pennsylvania,” Casey stated in the press release. “This investment in PhilaPort will maintain its crucial role in the nation’s supply chain and the commonwealth’s economy. I will keep fighting to improve our shipping hubs to boost economic growth and create sustained employment.”
The Philadelphia port supports over 10,000 jobs and handles imports of cars, cocoa, paper products, fruit, frozen meats, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
In 2020, Philadelphia port officials announced a plan to expand the port to better compete with other East Coast ports like New York and Baltimore. The port has received significant state and federal funding, including prior investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“I’m thrilled to see this $217 million funding for the SouthPort terminal,” Fetterman said in the press release. “By expanding the terminal and increasing capacity, the Department of Transportation is positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in grade and infrastructure and supporting the communities dependent on these jobs. I am grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for their continued investment in Pennsylvania’s future.”
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of the infrastructure law in securing the federal funds for the port and expressed pride in supporting the law. The infrastructure legislation saw some bipartisan support, though most votes in favor came from Democrats. Nearly all opposing votes were from Republican lawmakers. All nine of Pennsylvania’s congressional Democrats supported the legislation, while all but one of the state’s eight House Republicans, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, voted against it.
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